Pulmonary Atelectasis in Pediatric Spinal Muscular Atrophy -- Insights from Two Cases and the Literature

Pulmonary Atelectasis in Pediatric Spinal Muscular Atrophy -- Insights from Two Cases and the Literature | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 25 September 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Pulmonary Atelectasis in Pediatric Spinal Muscular Atrophy -- Insights from Two Cases and the Literature Authors : Benedetti Francesca , Flaminia Giarda , Zangardi T , Bressan S , and Agosto C 0000-0003-0584-8871 [email protected] Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175880538.88227402/v1 213 views 92 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder in which respiratory complications are the primary cause of morbidity and mortality. Among these, pulmonary atelectasis—airway collapse leading to impaired gas exchange—remains underrecognized and often misdiagnosed as pneumonia. We report two pediatric SMA cases complicated by atelectasis, highlighting diagnostic and management challenges. In both children, consolidation on chest X-ray initially suggested infection, but clinical and laboratory findings favored a non-infectious etiology. Subsequent imaging confirmed atelectasis, which responded to intensive non-invasive ventilation, cough assistance, and lung recruitment strategies without the need for antibiotics. A narrative literature review underscores the multifactorial etiology of atelectasis in SMA, involving respiratory muscle weakness, ineffective airway clearance, structural deformities, and recurrent infections. Optimal management emphasizes prevention, early recognition, and individualized ventilatory support. Awareness of this complication is critical to avoid misdiagnosis, prevent unnecessary antibiotic use, and preserve lung function in children with SMA. Supplementary Material File (atelectasis_figure_legend.docx) Download 15.61 KB File (atelectasis_sma_23_09.docx.docx) Download 134.91 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 25 September 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords atelectasis emergency care hypoventilation sma spinal muscular atrophy Authors Affiliations Benedetti Francesca Azienda Ospedale Universita Padova View all articles by this author Flaminia Giarda Azienda Ospedale Universita Padova View all articles by this author Zangardi T Azienda Ospedale Universita Padova View all articles by this author Bressan S Azienda Ospedale Universita Padova View all articles by this author Agosto C 0000-0003-0584-8871 [email protected] Azienda Ospedale Universita Padova View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 213 views 92 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Benedetti Francesca, Flaminia Giarda, Zangardi T, et al. Pulmonary Atelectasis in Pediatric Spinal Muscular Atrophy -- Insights from Two Cases and the Literature. Authorea . 25 September 2025. 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